2B Deductive argument: Ontological (Descartes and Malcom)

Clear and Distinct Perception

Clear and Distinct Perception

Descartes' concept of knowledge grounded in ideas that are clearly and distinctly perceived, such as mathematical concepts and philosophical ideas.

Supremely Perfect Being

Descartes' notion of God as the most perfect being, where existence is a necessary attribute for supreme perfection.

Logical Necessity of God's Existence

Descartes' argument that the idea of a supremely perfect being like God necessitates existence, making it logically necessary for God to exist.

TTWNGCBT

Acronym for 'that-than-which-nothing-greater-can-be-thought', a concept used by Anselm and Malcolm to describe a being of supreme greatness.

Necessary Existence

The idea that TTWNGCBT must exist necessarily and beyond all limitations to be truly great and worthy of worship.

John Hick

Second main period of onto argument begins with Descartes.

Rene Descartes

• God can be found within the idea of shapes and numbers

• Can’t help but think god exists like how we can’t think of a mountain without a valley.

Brian Davies

M is thinking something doesn’t depend on its existence or anything apart from itself